Three weeks ago , the Pilipinas Surfing Team left for Central America ( El Salvador) to compete in the International Surfing Association (ISA) World Surfing Games. This competition is a qualifier for a surfer to be an Olympian because surfing will have its debut in the Olympic Games this year ( Tokyo Olympics 2021).
After more than a year of hardwork and dedication in preparing for the World Surfing Games, our very own Nilbie, Marama & Piso did their best during the competition. They landed #1 and #2 in their heats thus they were able to advanced in the subsequent rounds of the competition.
Piso bowed out on Repechage 2 and was defeated by the surfers from Sweden and Venezuela. Marama advanced until Repechage 4 but was defeated by surfers Matt McGilivray of RSA and Yoni Klein of Israel.
Nilbie advanced to Repechage 4 and was on top against surfers from Canada , Argentina and Italy. On Repechage 5 , she had a tight competition from a top Australian surfer Sally Fitzgibbons and top Japanese surfer Amuro Tsuzuki ( Tsuzuki already qualified for the Olympics as of yesterday). There was only a 0.97 point difference between the score of Tsuzuki and Nilbie during that heat! Sayang! Nilbie would have advanced in the next round !!!
Our Pilipinas Surfing Team showed us a WORLD CLASS PERFORMANCE in the World Surfing Games 2021 so if we continue to support our surfing athletes, Philippines will be producing more world class surfers in the near future and probably a TOP SIARGAONON SURFER that would qualify in the next Olympic games.
To NILBIE, MARAMA and PISO, thank you so much for giving honor and pride to your hometown GENERAL LUNA. Know that we are always here to support all of you in all your surfing endeavors.
Thank you also to Jay-R Esquivel and Daisy Valdez of La Union and to Vea Estrellado of Sorsogon for ably representing the Philippines.
Mabuhay ang PILIPINAS SURFING TEAM!!!
(Source: Municipality of General Luna Facebook page, Surigao del Norte , photos courtesy by Coach Ian Siguan)